Banff is a shining example of the advantages of national park status – its natural backdrop provides one of the most beautiful places to ski.

At each of the National Park’s big three resorts, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay, untouched, snow-dusted woodland line the runs and sprawl into the valleys below like estuaries flowing into great lakes. Dramatic peaks dip in and out of the clouds providing a constant stream of camera phone fodder.

Canada’s park laws mean this stunning landscape is now preserved. Fortunately for winter sports fanatics the ski resorts were built before much of the preservation development legislation was in place.

Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay all tread a line between the need to modernise and natural conservation – the result is resorts with a homely feel and a sense of history.

At Lake Louise, the excitement was focused around the Alpine Downhill Ski World Cup’s first round which is being hosted annually at the resort.

Though the course is marked off for non-athletes, the rest of the skiable areas are open even while the race is in progress. It makes for a unique atmosphere as you make your way down the slopes knowing world class athletes are a couple of runs over – akin to a Sunday league football arrangement where instead of two local pubs sides playing on the pitch next to you it’s Spain v Brazil.

The guides at Lake Louise are very knowledgeable and tempered the skiing to the ability of the group, allowing us to explore the resort at our own pace.

The runs are wide and varying enough in length to please whatever standard of skier.

For skiers looking to be guided around in a more informal way, free “ski friends” who know the area but aren’t instructors are available to show around graded groups who want to take route planning out of the day and make the most of the resort.

Lake Louise itself is a small place but it does have some highlights away from the slopes.

Dining at Deer Lodge presents the opportunity to try local meats, such as smoked buffalo and elk salami, as well the surprisingly delicious Canadian wine. Be warned though – Deer Lodge’s cosy confines may well be too much for tired souls after a long day’s skiing. The urge to curl up in front of their roaring open fires is very tempting.

Norquay is markedly different to the other two of the big three Banff resorts – more humble with a family-friendly vibe.

They offer tubing sessions, which for the unacquainted is essentially being pushed down an ice slide in a big rubber ring. It is a lot more fun than it sounds, though having to drag the ring up the hill because the magic carpet lift was being serviced proved very tiring in the thin mountain air.

Norquay used to be the host of many ski jump competitions but now the facilities have been made converted into part of the access for the viewing platform. The views from the top are stunning and well worth the trip up the retro chairlift to look out over Banff and the rest of the valley.

Banff itself is a charming place carried along by the buzz of the seasonal workers – the most riotous party nights are held in their company.

However, if you can find some locals they’ll also show you a good time, especially in the Rose And Crown Pub where the house band play an eclectic mix of rock favourites.

There is also a thriving dining scene, Italian Ticino’s and The Balkan both offer food that is hearty and delicious.

There is plenty of luxury accommodation to choose from in Banff, The Fox’s mini-apartments and grotto-style steam room are a perfect place to relax after a hard day on the slopes.

Sunshine Village is the last but by no means least of the region’s resorts. It is the only one to offer substantial ski in, ski out accommodation. You can only access the resort via a ten-minute gondola ride that takes you seemingly deep into a snowy paradise. The hotel is located in the main resort base at the top of the gondola.

The base is the interchange for Sunshine Village’s three mountains. The skiing has enough variation to suit beginners and very advanced alike.

Uniquely, it’s possible to ski across the continental divide as you come down the wide and stunningly attractive runs on Lookout Mountain.

The hotel itself has rooms designed for post-ski wind down, including mini hot tubs and views straight on to the runs. There’s also an outdoor hot tub that’s big enough to swim around – though, with temperatures dropping as low as -30, it’s not advisable to spend too long dipping your toe in before the plunge.

The benefit of ski in, ski out is most keenly felt in the morning when a ten-metre walk to the lift takes you to empty slopes that offer the perfect place to burn off breakfast.

If the opportunity to be guided around by the enthusiastic and charming Japanese instructor Shinji presents itself, it must be taken. Not only is he very willing to maximise your time on the slopes but he is a beautiful skier to watch.

If you’re looking to escape the more vigorous European slopes for some luxury and a laidback approach to skiing, then Banff is a location to strongly consider.

The scenery is incredible, the resorts have a luxury yet welcoming feel, providing great bases to enjoy the fantastic skiing.

  • Canadian Affair offers ski holidays to Banff from £779 per person. The return trip includes direct return economy class flights from Gatwick to Calgary, resort transfers from Calgary airport and seven nights accommodation at the Inns of Banff (twin room, accommodation only)
  • For more information or to book call 020 7616 9933 or visit www.canadianaffair.com